Tragic Tubing Accident Claims Life of 8-Year-Old Child on Star Lake in Hawthorne, Florida
HAWTHORNE, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) — A peaceful summer day turned tragic earlier this week when a tubing accident on Star Lake near the Putnam-Alachua County line claimed the life of a young child and left two others hospitalized. The heartbreaking incident has left the small Florida lakefront community reeling with grief and disbelief.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched to Star Lake on Tuesday afternoon following reports of a serious accident involving a personal watercraft. Authorities confirmed that three children, ages 8, 10, and 11, were riding together on an inflatable tube being pulled behind a Sea-Doo jet ski when the watercraft veered toward a dock. In a matter of seconds, the tube collided with the structure, violently throwing all three children into the water.
Though first responders acted quickly, the situation turned tragic. One of the children, an 8-year-old, suffered fatal injuries and was later pronounced dead. The two other children were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been made public. As of now, authorities have not released the names of any of the children involved, citing ongoing notifications and the sensitivity surrounding the tragedy.
“This is just devastating. My prayers are with them, and I’m so sorry to hear that children were hurt just having fun on a lake enjoying their day. And for the death of a young child like that — it hurts,” said Rusty Lisk, a longtime resident who lives near the crash site. His words echo the sentiments of many in this tight-knit lakeside community, where the accident has shaken residents to their core.
Witnesses say the children were visiting their grandparents’ lake house for the summer — an annual tradition for many families in the region. What was meant to be a day of laughter and play on the water quickly became a nightmare no one could have anticipated.
“It’s the first time in 20 years anything like this has happened at the lake,” said Steven Gabbard, another neighbor who has lived in the area for decades. “It’s normally so quiet here. People fish, paddle, maybe tube a bit — but this is just unfathomable.”
At this time, it remains unclear who was operating the jet ski when the accident occurred. Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have taken over the investigation, which remains active and ongoing. Investigators will work to determine whether any laws or safety protocols were violated and whether charges may be filed. The FWC has not yet made any statements regarding potential negligence or whether safety equipment like life jackets were being worn at the time of the crash.
In the wake of the tragedy, loved ones and neighbors have created a GoFundMe campaign to support the grieving family during this difficult time. The fundraiser aims to assist with funeral expenses and ongoing medical care for the surviving children. Community members have already begun rallying around the family, offering meals, financial donations, and emotional support.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly fun can turn to tragedy, especially on the water. While tubing and other recreational water activities are common summer pastimes, they can carry risks — particularly when proper precautions aren’t taken or unexpected obstacles arise.
As the investigation continues, the community of Hawthorne is focused on healing and holding one another close. Vigils and quiet memorials are being planned near the lake’s shoreline, where neighbors and family friends will gather to remember a child whose life ended far too soon.
No words can undo the pain of this loss, but in the face of overwhelming sorrow, this small community is doing what it does best: coming together with love, prayers, and unwavering support.
Rest in peace to the young soul lost far too soon. Our hearts are with the family and all who are suffering from this tragedy.
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